Last September 2007, I watched the Myanmar monks demonstrated on the streets of Yangon in protest to the miliatry junta government imposing drastic increase in fuel prices. It was reported that the government decided to cut the fuel subsidies to go ahead with its plan to move the administrative capital to another place.
On 2 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis strucked Irrawaddy Delta and killed possibly more than 300,000 lives. Cyclone Nargis (Nargis means Daffodil in Urdu) is considered the 7th deadliest cyclone of all time. Irrawaddy Delta is densely populated and is Myanmar's biggest rice producer. And now, the world is experiencing global food prices crisis. How timely...
A few week ago, I watched a documentary about Chengdu - a beautiful place to live in (it housed Dujiangyan Irrigation System - the famous ancient water diversion system, which is still in use and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), with booming economy, one of China's biggest agricultural producers, in the process of turning itself into a metrocity. However, in the name of development, the town council decided to take over certain old properties in the heart of Chengdu and turn them into an entertainment. These properties with alleys crisscrossing them are the image of Old China. While some agreed to sell, some stay put (as the compensation for these inheritance is too little to share with many siblings) and live to bear with loud musics at night. Some change their lifestyle - stay awake at night (start businesses to cater to those club-goers) and sleep during the daytime.
In Mar 2008, tibetan rioters took to the streets of Lhasa, to protest the influx of chinese Han (the biggest chinese ethnica) into Tibet, which was claimed by Tibetans to have destroyed its culture. 10 people were reported killed.
On 12 May 2008, Sichuan Province, where Chengdu is located, experienced 7.9 richter scale earthquake (19th deadliest earthquake) and it claimed more than 60,000 lives and still counting. 2,065 km away from Chengdu, Beijing is preparing to host its Summer Olympic on 08.08.08. How timely...
I watched on TV tonight that China is seeking Japan's military assistance following the Sichuan earthquake. Alhamdullilah, i hope they will put their wartime past to end - on a humanitarian basis. How timely...
Things happened for reasons - and I hope for all these sufferings and losses, for all bleak memories and unforeseen future, people of Myanmar and China will grow stronger. For us the unaffected lots, perhaps these are our wake up calls. Do not inflict others what you do not want them to cause you. Be good and think good. Help willingly without asking anything in return. After all, we are all of the same race - human race. May the departed souls rest in peace and may God bless the survivors. May God gives strength to all those unsung hero and may God guide those in power so this world could be a better place for all of us...
No comments:
Post a Comment